ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on paternity leave as one policy that may enable more fathers to become fully engaged dads. Results using national survey data demonstrate that paternity leave-taking is associated with numerous benefits for families. Specifically, evidence suggests that taking at least two weeks of paternity leave is associated with higher levels of father involvement, stronger relationships with children when they get older, greater co-parenting support among fathers, higher relationship satisfaction among mothers, and lower divorce rates. Interview data and the author's personal experiences further illustrate how dedicated time off work can help promote more engaged fatherhood. Overall, greater access to paternity leave would provide fathers with more opportunities to enact their desires to be fully engaged dads.